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OUVENIR
..OF THE
©ttrnltt Mi^mmml Mnnlhn
LIBRARY GROUNDS, NYACK, N, Y.
D E D I C A T E D FLA G D A Y
NINETEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHT
NYACKyN. Y., September, 1908.
THIS^ little pamphlet has been prepared and
printed by the Boulder Memorial Committee
from a fund contributed by a number of our citizens.
It has been compiled aiid edited, by the patriotic
Instructor of Waldrph Post and aiopy sent to every
membef of the Post, Corps and Camp/ Library
Trustees, Officials of the County and Town, Trusr
tees of the four Villages, Rockland Railroad Co.,
Nyack Fire Departmen,! Officials, Teachers Pub-
lic School, Cemetery and Y. M. C. A. trustees,
Uie C'erev and others,
WITH THE COMPUMENTS OF
Isaac E. Pye, G, M. Montgomery, Louis L. Robbms,
Thomas L. Sanborn and Oliver H. Scott, of Waldron
Post, G. A. R,; Mrs. Mary M. Halliday, Mrs. Mary
Strack, Mrs. Hattie WaUers, Mrs. M J. Scott, Mrs.
Ida Coleman, Mrs. Josephine Conov«r, Mrs. .Lizzie N.
Hunt, Mrs. Mary Phillips and Mrs. Maria" Smith, of
Waldron Corps, W..R. C; EJlis Scott, J. Elmer Christie,
Warren Hill and Harry Minford, of Sanborn Camp,
S. O. V
BOULDER MEMORIAL COMMITTEE.
VERA E. COLEMAN. Secretary.
I
i
By transfer
The White House
Maroft 3rd, 1^13
^/IPOSITE PHOTO BY H. F. DUTCHER, NYACK
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER.
• • • 1 1 1 I—^ • • •
LINCOLN MEMORIAL
BOULDER
AN INSPIRATION TO THE LIVING
A TRIBUTE TO THE DEAD : :
DEDICATED JUNE THIRTEENTH — FLAG DAY
nineteen hundred and eight
Published by
CHARLES M. MONTGOMERY
Patriotic Instructor Waldron Post, No. 82, Dept. of New York, G. A. R.
NYACK . ON - HUDSON
H'iiMl
jLc tix-^ IScy^ a^^K^cK. i^^-'y^
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
SI|^ (BobnnavB (gr^^tin^.
Executive Chamber,
Albany, N. Y., August 27, 1908.
I take pleasure in commending the patriotic senti-
ment which has animated the members of the Wal-
dron Post and the men and women who join with
them in the work of the Lincoln Memorial Boulder
Committee.
There is one man who presents to the American
people above all others in his many-sided great-
ness the type, the representative, of those quali-
ties which distinguish American character and make
possible the maintenance of our National strength.
He is, par excellence, the true American, Abraham
Lincoln.
His was not the early training of those who, like
many of our distinguished men, had the advantages
afforded by parentage, by noble traditions although
in poor circumstances, with schooling and environ-
ment which would stimulate the loftiest of aspira-
tions. He sprung from conditions which would seem
to stifle ambition. He simply was a man; a man
born; a great American; superior to all the disad-
vantages which surrounded his birth and early
training.
He was a humane man, a man of emotion, which
he never allowed to control his reason; a man of
sentiment, of deep feeling. He was a lowly man,
never asserting himself as superior to his fellows,
but he could rise in the dignity of his humanity to a
4
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
majesty which has seldom been equaled by any ruler
of any people under any form of government.
We see in Lincoln patience, the reasoning faculty,
humanity, the democratic sentiment, patient consid-
eration, all combined; and we may well learn from
him the lesson which at any hour of our history we
should well study.
"Why," said Lincoln, "should we not have patient
confidence in the ultimate justice of the American
people?"
Why not, indeed? Who are the American people?
They are the most intelligent people organized in
any civil society on the face of this broad earth. They
have abundant opportunities for education. They
are keen and alert. If we can only feel as Lincoln
felt and derive our political sentiments from the
study of the principles of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence and proceed as Lincoln did, with remorse-
less logic, to the consideration of the demands of
every exigency, there can be no question but that
each problem will be solved and that every decade
of American history will witness a further advance
and that the prosperity of the future will far trans-
cend anything that we have realized in the past.
Very sincerely yours,
u:^^
GETTYSBURG ADDRESS
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought
forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in
Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that a\\ men
are created equaJ.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing
whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and
so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a
great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedi-
cate a portion of that field as a fined resting place for
those who here gave their lives that that nation might
live. It is zJtogether fitting and proper that we should
do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate-we can
not consecrate-we cannot heJlow-this ground. The
brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have
consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or
detract.
The world v^oll little note nor long remember what
we say here, but it can never forget what they did
here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated
here to the unfinished work which they who fought
here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather
for us to be here dedicated to the great task remeiining
before us - that from these honored dead we take in-
creased devotion to that cause for which they gave
the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly
resolve that these dead sheJl not have died in vain
- that this nation, under God, sheill have a new birth
of freedom - and that government of the people, by
the people, for the people, shall not perish from the
ear
th.
ABRAHAM UNCOLN.
Gettysburg, November 19, 1863.
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
5IIj0 Utttraln Snulb^r.
toitli an Snhoration,
BY LOUIS BRADFORD COUCH, M. D.
NYACK. N, Y.
O Mighty Boulder, wrought by God's own hand.
Throughout all future ages thou shalt stand
A monument of honor to the brave
Who yielded up their lives, their all, to save
Our glorious country, and to make it free
From bondsmen's tears and lash of slavery.
Securely welded to thy rugged breast.
Through all the coming ages there shall rest
Our Lincoln's tribute to a patriot band.
The noblest ever penned by human hand.
The storms of centuries may lash and beat
Thy granite face and bronze with hail and sleet;
But futile all their fury. In a day
The loyal sun shall melt them all away.
Equal in death our gallant heroes sleep
In Southern trench, home grave, or ocean deep;
Equal in glory, fadeless as the light
The stars send down upon them through the night.
O priceless heritage for us to keep
Our heroes' fame immortal while they sleep !
O God, still guide us with Thy loving hand.
Keep and protect our glorious Fatherland.
(^0 01\a4 ifi^^-jl^r ^3w<^i^v> /?7\.a^^
^r/* -U/O^A^ '^-C^i;<xCtlA6'7-»V«->v^. arfy,<^ 'C^L.eOlf^ /^^^lo' -Oi^ 'i^'/t*. <^^jL-r<-4^^€,^-^
-?>v.C^.o^>vt?-rS crf'tPT^j/ X^nA^jL fi/wo^ M^o-*^^ ou^^y^ 't4(je^ ,^C^>£za'k^^ -'p^rv^/U^
The Celebrated "Bixby Letter."
Facsimile of the Original Manuscript on Exhibition at Hubcr's Museum in New York City.
A Letre, of Condolence Written br'Abr.ham Lincoln to Mr,. Bixby. of Boston. Mass.. November ... .864.
COURTESY OF THE FRANCIS D TANDY COMPANY, NEW YORK
\yTM^/O^H^C^^'^L^
TAKEN FROM FIRST PHOTO WITH A BEARD. 1861
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
THE BOULDER.
BY E, K. RUSSELL. CHAPLAIN OF WALDRON POST.
EVEN and forty years ago, at the call of
Father Abraham, there came from all sta-
tions in life, loyal men who by their answer
to the call said—" If my country needs a human sac-
rifice to maintain its honor, take me."
Pen and voice have tried in vain to tell the full
story of that dreadful struggle into the vortex of which
went so many loved ones, and we see them no more.
Yet they still live, not only in the hearts of those
nearest and dearest to them, but they still live in the
memory of appreciating townsmen and a grateful na-
tion. As witness of this, see in most of our cities and
villages throughout the land Monuments or Memor-
ial Boulders erected in memory of their heroic dead.
Deep down in the hearts of the veterans of
Nyack long has been cherished a hope that the time
might soon come when its name could be added to
the list of places having erected Soldiers' and Sailors'
Monuments. The answer to their prayer came
through an inspiration caught by Patriotic Instructor
C. M. Montgomery, of Waldron Post, No. 82, G.A.R.,
to place a Memorial on our Library Grounds,
on seeing an engraving of a Boulder placed by the
New York Historical Association to mark the Revo-
lutionary Battle Ground at Glens Falls. The sim-
9
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
plicity, as well as its effectiveness, convinced him that
such a Monument was the proper thing for Nyack.
He accordingly interviewed Mr. A. M. Voorhis,
Secretary of the Library Trustees. Finding him
in favor of the proposition, the case was presented
to the full Board of Library Trustees who ap-
proved the plan and granted permission to place the
Boulder on the south side of the lawn in front of the
building.
The matter was then brought before Waldron
Post at its regular meeting. Comrade Montgomery
giving a full statement of the facts in the case as it
then existed, and the project was most enthusiastic-
ally received and adopted and heartily supported to
its completion.
The organizations auxiliary to the Post, namely:
The Woman's Relief Corps and Sons of Veterans,
loyally pledged themselves to the support of the
matter and did good work until the finish.
On Monday, February loth, 1908, the Daily
Press jointly made the first pubHc announcement in
full of the undertaking, each paper editorially highly
commending the whole proposition, the Nyack Jour-
nal leading the list of contributors.
The children of the Villages then entered upon
the task of procuring the money with which to meet
the necessary expense, while the members of the Post
and others sought for the Boulder, and Rockland
County, at least that portion within reasonable dis-
10
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
tance of town, was explored on hill and in dale, to
find a perfect stone, for only such an one was deemed
worthy of the object. They failed on land to find
such an one, and turning to the Historic Hudson,
opposite the home of Mr. N. B. Gushing, the seekers
saw, rearing its head above the waters, the Boulder
which was deemed worthy to bear upon its breast the
Tablet containing those immortal words which came
from the lips of Abraham, the called of God, to lead
our beloved Nation through the scourge of Civil War,
and that Badge, the symbol of his army who by their
loyalty to his will preserved us as a nation.
The consent of Mr. and Mrs. N. B. Gushing hav-
ing been obtained to remove the Boulder, and after
much strenuous labor by W. Parrott & Son, of New-
burgh, it was landed on the dock foot of Main Street.
Its weight was lo tons, notwithstanding which it was
placed upon a large truck, and, under the direction
of Gommander I. E. Pye and by the power of eight-
teen horses and loo men with ropes, dragged up the
hill, and deposited on the Library Grounds. Then
being placed in proper position upon a bed of con-
crete, it was ready for the skilled hand of our towns-
man, Mr. G. M. Travis, who securely anchored upon
the front of the Boulder a large bronze tablet bearing
the inscription :
SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MEMORIAL
A GIFT FROM
THE CHILDREN OF NYACK-MAY 30, 1908
and giving in full the text of Lincoln's Gettysburg
11
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
Address with lettering that can be plainly read many
feet distant ; also an enlarged reproduction in bronze
of the Grand Army of the Republic Badge.
And thus the Boulder stands to-day, and so will
it ever stand, a rugged monument from nature's work-
shop to one of God's rugged noblemen, as well as an
immortalized tribute to that Grand Army who have
'• spread their silent tents on Fame's eternal camping
ground." It is to-day and always will remain a lesson
teaching pure patriotism to this and succeeding gen-
erations,
" For generations yet to come
This Monument shall stand,
Unchanging emhlem^ like our hearts,
And wrought by God's own hand.^^
®I}E d. A. a.
Not a military organization, not a political ma-
chine, but a unified, solidified federation of veterans,
whose patriotism and faith moved the armies and
navies of the Union, and secured to the United
States a mighty future among the powers of the
earth; a federation of veterans, strengthened by con-
flict, tried by defeats, baptized in blood, consecrated
by tears and glorified by the immortal radiance of
that victory that crowns the battalions of Universal
Liberty. — General James B. Steedman.
12
PHOTO BY HOFFER, NYACK
C<L^LC
X C^ t
e^
COMMANDER WALDRON POST.
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
Stjr Slturnln Eburattntial IC^agu^.
New York, August 31, 1908.
The people of Nyack are to be greatly congratu-
lated upon having the immortal Gettysburg Address
of Abraham Lincoln in imperishable bronze anchored
oa a Boulder upon the lawn of their Public Library.
Probably no better monument to Abraham Lincoln —
no more appropriate Memorial to the dead he hon-
ored— no greater inspiration to the highest form of
patriotism — no better lesson in the beauties of the
English language could be devised.
In spite of his modest prophecy, Americans must
long remember what Abraham Lincoln said, and be
perpetually inspired by his eloquence and by his ex-
ample to dedicate themselves to the task which even
yet remains before them. His principles and his
patriotism, his patience under misrepresentation, his
courage and strength in the face of tremendous ob-
stacles, are needed as an inspiration to each one of
us to-day if a government of the people, by the peo-
ple, for the people is long to endure.
It was the spirit of Abraham Lincoln which, more
than anything else, surmounted the well-nigh over-
whelming troubles of his time. If that spirit can
be kept alive in the American nation, our present
and future difficulties must give way before it.
It is most appropriate that the Soldiers' and Sail-
ors' Memorial in Nyack should take this form. These
words of Abraham Lincoln must ever prove the best
epitaph of those who lost their lives in the service
of their country.
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
g>0n0 0f Tffeti^ranB.
Our well-known and popular fellow-townsman,
Mr. J. Elmer Christie, Patriotic Instructor of Sanborn
Camp, and also Division Patriotic Instructor of New
York, S. O. v., in a late issue of The Batmer^ offi-
cial organ of the Sons of Veterans, aptly commends
the Lincoln Memorial Boulder in these words :
The patriotic enterprise, under the supervision of
the G. A. R., the W. R. C. and S. O. V., at Nyack, in
erecting a boulder with Lincoln's address on a bronze
tablet has been consummated, and it was dedicated
with appropriate ceremonies on Flag Day, June 13th.
The wisdom of this memorial, the peculiar appro-
priateness, the little cost and yet the beautiful sim-
plicity of it, all unite to commend it to our camps
throughout the State and Nation, and that they will
give the idea the v/idest circulation and commenda-
tion, officially so if practicable, so that on the Cen-
tenary of Lincoln's birth in February next, 1909, we
may see many of these Lincoln Boulders dedicated
to his memory and to that of the Soldiers and Sail-
ors who sustained in the field and on the seas the
glory of his consummate statesmanship.
Yours fraternally,
Both the State and National Commanders, S. O.
v., in general orders, officially commend the forego-
ing to Camps throughout the land.
14
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
DEDICATION CEREMONIES
OF THE
Lincoln Memorial Boulder.
FLAG DAY. 1908.
(i
RIGINALLY it was intended to have the
Boulder dedicated May 30 — Decoration
Day — but the aged veterans felt unequal
to the task of observing Memorial Day and the
Dedication of the Lincoln Memorial both on the
same day, consequently the unveiling of the Boulder
was fixed for Saturday afternoon, June 13 — Flag
Day falling on Sunday.
The day was ideal. The parade, preceding the
ceremonies, was imposing. The sky smiled above
and the air was filled with the sound of happy voices
of the children, the sparkling enthusiasm of the peo-
ple and the stirring music of the bands. The scene
was intermingled with flying flags, the gay uniforms
of the firemen, the veterans of Waldron Post, the
Sons of Veterans and the bright and happy school
children with waving flags, in charge of the Woman's
Relief Corps. It was a pleasing and inspiring sight
long to be remembered.
The parade formed at the corner of Broadway
and Main Street promptly at two o'clock, in charge
IS
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
of Matthew Evers, Jr., Chief of the Nyack Fire De-
partment, in the following order :
PoHce of Nyack and South Nyack,
Glassing's Haverstraw Band,
Nyack, South Nyack and Upper Nyack Firemen,
Waldron Post, No. 82, G. A. R.,
Sanborn Camp, No. 35, Sons of Veterans,
Rockland Fife and Drum Corps,
Woman's Relief Corps,
School Children with Flags.
The procession moved up 'Broadway to First
Avenue, up First Avenue to Franklin Street, down
Franklin to Main Street, down Main to Broadway,
down Broadway to Cedar Hill Avenue, passing the
Library and Village Trustees in review, then coun-
ter-marching to the Library grounds.
At the close of the parade the people gathered
in front of the Library building, completely filling the
grounds, the street and the lawn opposite. Many
ladies graced the assembly by their presence.
THE CEREMONIES.
From the speaker's stand Mr. Howard Van
Buren, President of the Nyack Library Trustees,
presided. The exercises opened with music by the
band, "Marching Through Georgia." The President
then introduced the Rev. Franklin Babbitt, rector of
Grace Episcopal Church, saying : "In deference to
those feelings of dependence upon a higher power,
16
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
which we know sustained President Lincoln during
the dark hours of the Civil War, and which we
should acknowledge to-day, the Divine blessing will
be invoked by the Rev. Franklin Babbitt."
PRESENTATION.
Following the Invocation the Lincoln Memorial
Boulder was then formally presented to the Library
Trustees by Comrade Charles M. Montgomery in the
following fitting words :
Mr. Howard Van Buren — To you, as president of
the Nyack Library Trustees, I have the pleasure, the
privilege and the honor, on behalf of Waldron Post,
Grand Army of the Republic, of placing in your
charge this simple Memorial Boulder. On its face is
inscribed, in enduring bronze, Abraham Lincoln's
immortal speech delivered on the battlefield of Get-
tysburg, in November, 1863. On its south face is a
bronze insignia, emblematic of that Grand Army of
the Nation of which President Lincoln was Comman-
der-in-Chief.
This Memorial, Mr. President, comes as a free-will
gift to our Village from the patriotic children of the
Nyacks, aided by a generous public. It is free from
debt, and we hope, sir, and we believe, that in your
hands and those of your successors in ofl&ce, this
Memorial will be cared for and preserved for all time.
Mr. President, the Memorial is now in your charge.
UNVEIUNG OF THE MEMORIAL.
Immediately after Comrade Montgomery ceased
speaking the bugle's inspiring signal resounded
throughout the grounds, and in a twinkling the two
17
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
American flags with which the Memorial was draped
fell to the lawn. The Lincoln Memorial Boulder
stood revealed ! This beautiful ceremony was in
charge of Mrs. Mary M. Halliday, President of the
Woman's Relief Corps — the following children par-
ticipating : George Parbury Pollen Jewett, Upper
Nyack ; Giles Tasman, Nyack ; Raymond Blauvelt,
South Nyack ; Frank Demarest, Grand View, and
Male Van Nostrand and Edna Male Halliday, Nyack.
RESPONSE.
Simultaneously with the uncovering of the Me-
morial, Mr. Howard Van Buren, President of the
Library Trustees, responded to the presentation in
the following appropriate words :
Mr. C. M. Montgomery — In behalf of the Board of
Trustees of the Nyack Library, it affords me great
pleasure to accept the custody of this noble specimen
of nature's handiwork.
We shall never forget the toil and devotion of the
veterans of Waldron Post, and of those who so effect-
ively and cheerfully assisted them in bringing this
boulder here, thus completing, at this favored spot,
nature's transportation work of ages past. We highly
appreciate the commendable and graceful action of
the children of Nyack, aided by the public, in making
this appropriate and timely gift to our village, and we
heartily concur in that praiseworthy and patriotic
sentiment which has prompted it. Be assured, sir,
that this boulder, once an ancient landmark, but now
a unique monument, ever will be cared for and guard-
ed as a lasting memorial and fitting repository for the
18
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
immortal words of President Lincoln, and for tlie
honorable and illustrious emblem of the Grand Army
of the Republic.
Music by the band, " Hail Columbia."
In announcing the singing of the " Star Spangled
Banner" the President said :
On this, its Natal day, it is highly appropriate that
'The Star Spangled Banner' should be sung, and I
am glad to announce that the Rev. Robert J. Holmes,
a citizen whose services have been often and freely
conceded in the interests of our village, has kindly
consented to sing the verses of this grand anthem to
the national flag. It is very pleasing, too, that the
chorus is to be sung by the members of our public
school and their associates, whose contributions have
enabled our veterans to enter upon that work which
they have so happily completed to-day.
Singing, "The Star Spangled Banner."
MR. HOWARD VAN BUREN'S ADDRESS.
In presenting the Hon. Arthur S. Tompkins as
the orator of the occasion, Mr. Van Buren gave the
audience a gem of patriotic thought that will long be
cherished by his hearers. He spoke with much feel-
ing as follows :
We have assembled to-day to offer tribute of honor
and respect to the words spoken by Abraham Lincoln
on that historic and solemn occasion— the consecra-
tion of the battlefield of Gettysburg to the Federal
dead. These memorable words, coming straight from
Ms deep heart of pity and love, breathe the loftiest
19
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
ideals of civic virtue and patriotism. Measured by
the most exacting standards, ttiey are a model of
prose composition and a marvel of compressed
thought, and are justly valued as one of the world's
great classics — a masterpiece, whose sublimity of
thought is equaled only by the simplicity of the lan-
guage.
It has been well said that they constitute a unique
condensation of the true sentiment and innermost
meaning of the tremendous struggle between the
North and the South. On this, one of those rare occa-
sions when the high water mark of oratory is reached,
there is clearly set forth those fundamental princi-
ples which were the mainsprings of President Lin-
coln's policy; that our government is founded, not on
the shifting sands of an association of sovereign
States, but on the firm rock of a perpetual union.
This policy he adhered to throughout the trying years
of military conflict in the South and political intrigue
in the North; and this policy, upheld and enforced
by the army and navy, brought to our land that new
birth of freedom which he had longed to see.
In the presence of these immortal words, we Amer-
icans cannot but feel that, as a lesson in patriotism of
the highest order, there is a completeness of state-
ment and a finality of expression, which can neither
be added to, subtracted from, nor explained; and that
the most effective and the most befitting tribute we
can render to this mosaic of high thought and noble
aspiration is the tribute, not of eloquence, but of our
thoughtful and earnest contemplation. It is, there-
fore, most appropriate and fitting that we of this gen-
eration, now in the full enjoyment of the nation's new
birth of freedom, should treasure this beautiful prose
20
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
poem, as we do to-day, by casting it in enduring
bronze and binding it to tbe eternal rock.
But the nation has said that the last word about
I^incoln can never be spoken, and it is with feelings
of sincere pleasure, mingled with civic pride, that I
now have the honor of presenting to you the orator of
the day, our fellow townsman. Judge Tompkins, a
man whose noteworthy and highly successful public
life is founded, in no small degree, I believe, on his
close touch with Lincoln's plain people. (Great
applause.)
ORATION BY THE HON. ARTHUR S. TOMPKINS.
Judge Tompkins in stepping to the front was
greeted with enthusiastic applause, and gave one of
the most eloquent addresses ever listened to in Nyack ,
It follows in full :
Mr. Chairman, Veterans, Sons of Veterans, Ladies
and Gentlemen:
This day will be memorable in the history of Nyack
because it witnesses the dedication of a memorial
which will stand as long as anything material shall
stand— a monument that will endure as long as heaven
permits the works of man to last, to speak to coming
generations of our loyalty to our country and our
devotion to its institutions, and our gratitude to those
whose patriotism and sacrifices bequeathed to us and
our posterity the rich heritage of a free and united
country— a monument whose unadorned grandeur
and massive solidity is a fit emblem both of the
events in memory of which it is raised and the
reverence and gratitude of those who have placed it
here.
It is peculiarly appropriate that these dedicatory
21
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
exercises should be held on this day, which is ob-
served as Flag Day — the anniversary day of the adop-
tion of the Stars and Stripes as the national emblem.
There are many things in life which thrill the heart
and inspire the mind of man. There is inspiration in
danger and in the applause of our fellows, there is in-
spiration in the knowledge that our efforts and work
are appreciated, there is inspiration in oratory and
poetry and music and song; but there is nothing in
life that so inspires and thrills the heart of the true
American as the graceful and beautiful folds of that
glorious emblem, the Star Spangled Banner, the flag
for which Lincoln died, the flag for which these vet-
erans sacriflced and suffered, and for which their
comrades died, the flag which symbolizes the liberty
and freedom and union, which Lincoln and the sol-
diers of '61-'65 preserved, whose bright stars and
stripes kindle and awaken patriotism in the hearts
of the young and inspire all men with loyalty and
devotion to their country and its institutions.
Under its lead and inspiration, patriots have ad-
vanced on the field of battle to their death; under
the spell of its magic power our brave soldiers and
sailors have forgotten self and kindred and home
for the honor, integrity and preservation of all that
it represents. It has gone through many conflicts,
trials and dangers; it has been stained with the blood
of martyrs, but never has it been stained with shame.
It has been rent into tatters by hateful hands, it has
been riddled by shot and shell and blackened by
smoke; it has been torn from its staff and trampled
in the dust; but washed in the blood of the brave,
that old, tattered, bullet-riddled, blood-stained na-
tional ensign floats over us to-day in unsullied glory,
22
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
with "not a stripe erased or polluted, nor a single
star obscured," revered and beloved by Americans
everywhere, North and South, and respected and hon-
ored by all the world.
In the enjoyment of our manifold blessings, in our
eager quest after knowledge and position, in our
earnest strife for opportunity and advantage, in these
days of peace and tranquillity and prosperity, we are
apt to lose sight of and overlook the services and
sacrifices of the men, the heroes and martyrs, whose
patriotism and heroism and sufferings created the
opportunities and made possible the privileges and
blessings and accomplished the peace which we enjoy
in such large measure. We are so likely in times
of peace and prosperity to forget the hardships en-
dured, and the patience exercised, and sacrifices made
by those whose lot it was to cradle and defend our
country through the struggles of its early life.
So that it is good and wholesome that we pause,
now and then, to contemplate the past and reflect
upon the lives and achievements of those whose
names and deeds illumine the pages of our country's
history.
This monument is to be a perpetual lesson in
patriotism, which must be based upon a knowledge of
a nation's history and development, and in this boul-
der we shall have established for all time:
First, a memorial of the life and achievements of
the one man above all others in the history of our
country most calculated to kindle and keep alive the
spirit of patriotism in the hearts of the young, the
grandest and noblest figure of the 19th century-
Abraham Lincoln.
Second, the record of his Gettysburg Speech, one
23
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
of the finest specimens of modern oratory, delivered
on the occasion of the dedication of the Gettysburg
Battlefield as a place of burial for the Union soldiers
who fell on that historic ground; and,
Third, a silent yet eloquent testimonial speaking
to the present and all future generations, speaking
to the youth who are to keep this Republic noble
and make its future greater and speaking to every
passer-by of the patriotism, heroism and martyrdom
of those who, under the command of Lincoln, fought
our country's battles, leading it out from the
bondage of slavery, out of the danger of disunion
and disruption, out from rebellion and bloodshed, into
the light of liberty, unity and peace.
It is not surprising that our children responded so
willingly and gladly to the cost of this testimonial.
No other life appeals so strongly to the average boy
and girl as the life of Abraham Lincoln. Born in
abject poverty, reared in a log cabin amid the most
unpropitious surroundings, with less than a year's
schooling in a backwoods district school, spending
his days as a young man on a poor farm until he
was 21 years old, then a deck-hand on a Mississippi
flat boat; carrying a surveyor's chain; the proprietor
of a little country store, in which he was unsuccess-
ful; studying law from a few old borrowed law books;
thus he passed his early years, and from the lowest
origin, from the smallest beginning with the greatest
obstacles to overcome, with difiiculties to surmount
never surpassed, if equaled, in the life of any man
who has achieved anything worth noting, he rose to
the highest place, to the most exalted position in the
gift of his countrymen. Considering his humble
birth, his few advantages, his many adversities, the
24
ay
PHOTO BV HOFFER, NYACK
PRESIDENT WALDRON CORPS
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
critical period in our history with which he had to
deal, and his great achievements, we are justified in
esteeming him as the greatest of all Americans of
every age.
And we may rejoice that we have this privilege of
rendering honor to his memory by keepmg alive the
sentiments which animated him in his great work
for humanity, and fostering the principles ror which
he lived and died. His career teaches young men
that every position of eminence and honor is open
before the diligent and worthy; his life is a living
inspiration to every poor, struggling boy and makes
his path easier and his burdens lighter.
This monument will also perpetuate the memory
of the greatest battle of the Civil War, that which
marked the turning of the war tide toward the
North, and the beginning of the end of that great
struggle. It is the finest example of which we have
any record of the daring and fearlessness and superb
courage of the American soldier. It is not to en-
courage the military spirit that this stone is placed
here, but to keep alive and foster and strengthen the
spirit of patriotism, that by realizing the cost of our
liberties and privileges we may the more fully appre-
ciate their value and be the more zealous in their
defense and for their protection.
So long as Bunker Hill and Lexington and Concord
and Yorktown and Valley Forge are remembered,
so long as Shiloh and The Wilderness and Vicksburgh
and The Lookout Mountain and Gettysburg and Ap-
pomattox illumine the pages of our country's history
and mark out the pathway of our country's struggles
and triumphs, so long will the perpetuity of the Re-
public be assured.
25
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
To these veterans, these members of the Grand
Army of the Republic, who honor us and dignify this
occasion by their presence, we are indebted far be-
yond our power to pay. They are only the remnants
of many a well-fought field, a small remnant of the
Grand Army that marched forth to battle from '61
to '65. They are the survivors of the bravest army
that ever walked the earth or gave battle to a foe,
and in the name of our great country, which they
saved, in the name of the flag whose honor they pre-
served, in the name of that liberty and humanity for
which they fought, and in the name of the 20th cen-
tury, now enjoying the rich fruits of their sacrifices,
we thank you and express the hope that your days
may be long in the land which you saved, and that
peace and happiness may be your everlasting reward.
Our gratitude to those in whose honor we have
met, and in whose honor this stone and tablet are
being dedicated, can best be manifested by a steady
attachment to that spirit of liberty which was kindled
in the hearts of the Pilgrim Fathers; by a steadfast
devotion to and prompt defence of the institutions so
wisely established by the fathers; by our willingness
to give treasure and blood and kin and life, if nec-
essary, for the preservation of that political and re-
ligious liberty which they established, and by our
purpose, not boastingly declared, but deep down and
firmly rooted in the heart of every American, that
always, on land and sea, in every land and clime, the
honor and integrity of the Stars and Stripes, that
glorious emblem of a free people, shall be main-
tained and defended.
Our gratitude should be shown by obedience to
and respect for the law, by the preservation and ob-
26
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
servance of all the constitutional checks, safeguards
and balances upon the powers and privileges of the
States and the Nation, and the three co-ordinate
branches of the Federal and State governments; by
insisting upon equal rights for all and special priv-
ileges for none, save those who undertake to serve
the public, and then only with such restrictions and
limitations and control as will emphasize the fact
that they are the servants and not the masters; by
the enactment and impartial enforcement of just and
equal laws; by the application to the problems aris-
ing between capital and labor of the Golden Rule; by
an unceasing warfare against anarchy that would de-
stroy life and socialism that would overthrow organ-
ized government, and against every form of vice and
iniquity that would undermine our institutions, de-
stroy our Sabbath or subvert our laws; by holding
fast to the truth and the traditions of the past and
not allowing ourselves to be sv/ept off our feet by the
storm of radicalism which now and then passes over
our country.
In these days of unusual social and industrial un-
rest and discontent, in these times of harsh criticism
and inexcusable pessimism, when some men say that
there is one rule of conduct, one standard of morality
for the rich and another for the poor, when some
men erroneously say that there is one law for the
rich and another for the poor, when in many minds
the false notion prevails that money is king and that
wealth can command all things material; in these
times it is well to hold up the life of Lincoln as the
typical American, as the example for the young of
the 20th century. Y\^ith Lincoln the question was not
how much he could get out of his country, not how
27
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
much graft there was in it for him, not what per-
quisites and emoluments he could help himself to;
but rather how much service he could gratuitously
render, how many sacrifices he could make and how
much suffering he could endure for his country and
his fellow-men.
Yet the character of Lincoln is not unique in that
respect. Our land everywhere abounds with strong,
unselfish, patriotic, charitable and honest men, men
who serve their fellows honestly and conscientiously,
and to whom the holding of public office is a sacred
trust. Never were political ideals or professional or
business standards higher than they are to-day, and
never before was our country so united and harmoni-
ous, so prosperous and happy; never were our institu-
tions so secure, and never was the outlook for the
future brighter.
A striking and convincing proof may be found in
the recent splendid victory for law and order by our
great Governor, Charles E. Hughes, against most
powerful influences and unlimited wealth, law, right,
and the best sentiment have prevailed. Such a result
would have been impossible twenty-'five years ago.
Twenty-five and more years ago it would have been
impossible to have aroused sufficient public sentiment
to force an unwilling legislature to enact a law of the
character of the anti-race track gambling bills, nor
would it have been possible to stay the force of the
corrupt influences that were at work in opposition to
those measures, but which in this instance was over-
come by the moral sense of the State, and this great
moral triumph, this splendid victory for law and
order, is one of the many good signs of the times.
Now and then we are startled and alarmed by an
28
Patriotic Instructor Sanborn Camp, S. O. V.
Also Division Patriotic Instructor of N. Y.
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
outbreak here and there, sectional difference, race
riots, labor troubles, political upheavals, corruption
and iniquity revealed in this place or that, anarchy
and socialism. These things sometimes disturb and
alarm us and cause us to fear for the future of the
Republic; but, believe me, these things are only tem-
porary, they are only skin deep. They are mere abra-
sions upon the body politic, and as a scratch on your
hand is quickly healed by the healthy blood in your
veins, so these eruptions and disturbances are quickly
Tiealed by the strong current of national life which
is constantly coursing through the veins of the
Republic.
^'Fear not each sudden sound and shock,
'Tis of the wave and not the rock,
'Tis but the flapping of a sail.
And not a rent made by the gale.
In spite of rock and tempest roar.
In spite of false lights on the shore.
Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea;
Our hearts, our hopes are all with thee;
Our hearts, our hopes, our joys, our tears.
Our faith, triumphant o'er our fears.
Are all with thee, are all with thee."
( Prolonged Applause )
CONCLUSION.
At the conclusion of Judge Tompkins' address,
which was frequently received with applause in its
delivery, President Van Buren arose saying: "Under
the inspiration and enthusiasm so justly awakened by
2^
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
this thoughtful, highly patriotic and eloquent oration
we will appropriately sing the National Anthem."
Singing of " America " by the audience.
The Rev. J. Riley Johnson, D. D., Nyack's
Nestor, fittingly concluded the exercises by pronounc-
ing the Benediction.
JJattonal iMnnum^ttts,
BY REV. HENRy VAN DYKE. D. D.
Count not the cost of honor to the dead!
The tribute that a mighty nation pays
To those who loved her well in former days
Means more than gratitude for glories fled;
For every noble man that she hath bred,
Immortalized by art's immortal praise.
Lives in the bronze and marble that we raise.
To lead our sons as he our fathers led.
These monuments of manhood, brave and high.
Do more than forts or battleships to keep
Our dear-bought liberty. They fortify
The heart of youth with valor wise and deep;
They build eternal bulwarks, and command
Eternal strength to guard our native land.
Courtesy of The Century Magazine.
30
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
^\\t Jfgark lEtbrary.
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES:
HOWARD. VAN BUREN . • President
W. B. CONRAD . • Vice-President
A. M. VOORHIS Secretary and Treasurer
DR. E. H. MAYNARD E. F. PERRY
G. O. MARTINE F. R. CRUMBIE
G. H. CRAWFORD GERRIT SMITH
STEPHEN R. BRADLEY, Jr.
MISS HELEN L. POWELL, Librarian.
MISS FLORENCE L. HALSTEAD, Ass't Librarian.
The Gettysburg Address of Abraham Lincoln
is displayed upon the walls of Oxford University as
an example to the students of how much can be said
in the fewest possible English words.
If a foreign University is compelled by its elo-
quence to give it such a place of honor for its rhetor-
ical qualities alone, how much more should it be
displayed in every college, in every school, in every
library, in every home in America. Here it is far
more eloquent than in England. These ever-living
words are a constant source of inspiration to a nobler
Ufe, a truer citizenship.
31
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
(grant*j0 S^ar^toll Ai&rFBB.
Soldiers of the Armies of the United States :
By your patriotic devotion to your country in the hour
of danger and alarm, your magnificent fighting, brav-
ery and endurance, you have maintained the suprem-
acy of the Union and the Constitution, overthrown all
armed opposition to the enforcement of the laws and
of the proclamations forever abolishing slavery — the
cause and pretext of the rebellion — and opened the
way to the rightful authorities to restore order and
inaugurate peace on a permanent and enduring basis
on every foot of American soil. Your marches,
sieges and battles, in distance, duration, resolution
and brilliancy of results, dim the lustre of the world's
past military achievements, and will be the patriot's
precedent in defense of liberty and right in all time
to come.
In obedience to your country's call you left your
homes and families and volunteered in its defense.
Victory has crowned your valor, and secured the
purpose of your patriotic hearts; and with the grati-
tude of your countrymen and the highest honors a
great and free nation can accord, you will soon be
permitted to return to your homes and families, con-
scious of having discharged the highest duty of Amer-
ican citizens. To achieve these glorious triumphs
and secure to yourselves, your fellow-countrymen,
and posterity the blessings of free institutions, tens
of thousands of your gallant comrades have fallen
and sealed the priceless legacy with their lives. The
graves of these a grateful nation bedews with tears,
honors their memories, and will ever cherish and
support their stricken families.
32
y^y
1
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
J^eto fnrk ^tate lEiurattonal S^partmpnt,
Albany, N. Y., July 20, 1908.
Mr. Charles M. Montgomery,
Waldron Post, G. A. R., Nyack, N. Y.
Dear Sir:
The rock specimen which you have submitted to
me for examination, taken from the memorial boul-
der which your Post has erected, is what is com-
monly and commercially known as granite, not
unlike that quarried at Peekskill. To the geologist
the name for the rock would be dioritic gneiss, the
white color being feldspar and the green mineral
hornblende. It is a rock which was originally molten
and has been intruded by internal forces into and
through the other rocks composing the earth's crust,
and so it might properly be termed a lava, inasmuch
as it is of volcanic origin.
Very truly yours.
X^^a^
State Geologist.
33
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
OFFICERS
Waldron Post,
Commander
S. V. Commander . .
J. V. Commander
Chaplain
Adjutant
Quartermaster
Officer of the Day
Officer of the Guard
Sergeant Major
Quartermaster Sergeant
Patriotic Instructor
Delegate
No. 82, G. A. R.
ISAAC E. PYE
.. TUNIS D. SEAMAN
STEWART A. WALTERS
EDWARD K. RUSSELL
JOHN A. BURKE
.. HENRY DeBAUN
HARRY C ALBURTUS
JAMES P. BABCOCK
ABRAM L. ROMAINE
JAMES LOCKE
CHAS. M. MONTGOMERY
LOUIS L. ROBBINS
Waldron Relief
President, . Mary M. Halliday
S. V. President, . Maria Smith
J. V. President, . Libbie Canning
Secretary, . Hattie M. Walters
Treasurer, . Blanche L. Halliday
Chaplain, . . Lizzie N. Hunt
Conductor, . Martha J. Scott
Guzurd, . . Caroline Blauvelt
Corps, No. 98.
Ass't. Condr., Josephine Conover
Ass't. Guard, . Mary Hoffman
1st Color Bearer, Maggie Smith
2nd " " Mary Phillips
3rd " " Catherine Hogan
4th " '* Minnie Haeselbarth
Musician, , Mattie Witherell
Patriotic Instructor, Mary Strack
Thos. L. Sanborn Camp, No.
Commander
Sr. Vice Commander
Jr. Vice Commander
Secretary and Treasurer
Chaplain
Sergt. of the Guzurd .
Corp. of the Guard
Patriotic Instructor
35, N. Y. Div., S. O. V.
Eilis Scott
Frank S. Scott
W. F. Coleman
Warren HQl
Fred. DeBaun
Fred. L. Christie
. Stewart A. Walters
. J. ELlmcr Christie
34
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
MEMBERS OF WALDRON POST.
Alburtus, H. C, Private, Co. C, 13th N. Y.
Blauvelt. J. D.. Private, Co. H, 12th N. Y '
Babcock, J. P., Private, Co. I, 2d B. and 24th V. R. C.
Brown, Geo., Private, Co. A, 26th U. S. C. T.
Burke J. A. Private, U. S. Marine Corps.
Coates, J. W., Private, Co. I, 50th N. Y. Eng.
Conover, J. H., Private, Co. F, 17th N. Y. Vol.
Conover, A, Private, Co. B, 127th N. Y. Vol.
Conklin, N.. Private, Co. I, 17th N. Y. M.
Conklin W. H., Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps.
DeBaun, H., Private, Co. B, 127th N. Y. Vol.
Ennis, Geo. A., Private, 6th N. Y. H. A.
Fitzpatrick, J., Private, Co. B, 1st N. Y. Cav.
Gregory, L. B., Capt. Co. E, 1st N. Y. M. R.
Glen, Matthew, Capt., Co. H., 12th N. Y. S. M.
Homan, W. H., Private, Co. I, 57th N. Y. Vol.
Hudson, A. A, Private, Co. B, 95th N. Y. VoL
Handy W. A., Wagoner, Co. B, 18th Conn. Vol.
Huested, S. B.. Capt.. Co. K. 37th U. S. C. T.
Jewell, A.. Private, Co. L, 1st N. Y. Vol.
Jackson, John, Private, Co. H, 122d U. S. Vol.
Locke, J., Private, Co. K, 6th N. Y. H. A.
Murray, R. B., Corporal, Co. C, 161st N. Y. Vol.
Myers, W. H., Sergeant, Co. K, 5th La. Inf. C. T.
McElroy, C, Corporal, Co. B, 161st N. Y. Vol.
Montgomery, Chas. M., Private, Co. I, 14th N. Y. H. A.
Pye I E., Sergeant, Co. D, 128th N. Y. Vol.
Quick, G T., 1st Lieut, Co. C. 1st B. N. Y. Vol.
Bobbins, L. L.. Private, Co. F, 23d Mass. Vol.
Requa, W. S. U. S., Private, Co. C, 2d U. S. Vol.
Romaine, A. L., Corporal. Co. C, 127th N. Y. Vol.
Russell, Edward K., Private,2d Battery, Mass. Lt. Art.
Sanborn, T. L., 1st Lieut., Co. D, 11th N. H. Vol.
Scott O. H., Landsman, U. S. G. B., Eutaw.
Smiti J. H., Private, Co. F., 95th N. Y. Vol
Smith H E., Corporal, Co. A, 54th and 12 7th N. Y. Vol.
Seaman, T. D., 1st Serg't, Co. B, 127th N. Y. Vol.
Slinn, B. S., Private, Co. I, 17th N. Y. Vol.
Salair, J. N., Niagara, U. S. N.
Sherman, G. H., Serg't, Co. B, 10th Mass. Vol.
Smith, Daniel, Private, Co. G. 124th N. Y. VoL
35
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL BOULDER
Sayer, Abram, Private, Co. F, 17th Conn. Inf.
Samuels, Benjamin, Private, Co. A, 26th U. S. C. T.
Tuttle, W. E., 1st Lieut, 48th N. Y. Vol.
Thompson, James, Private, Co. A, 26th U. S. C. T.
Van Wagner, R. S., Private, Co. H, 80th N. Y. Inf.
Vandine, Jos., Private, Co. E, 22d N. J. Vol.
Walters, S. A., Private, Co. B, 14th U. S. Inf.
Wallace, I. S., Private, Co. A, 4th N. Y. H. A.
Wood, H. M., Private, Co. G, 17th N. Y. Vol.
Waldron, C. S., Private, Co. G, 17th and 146th N. Y. Vol.
Williamson, J. H., Corporal, Co. F, 26th U. S. C. T,
IN MEMORIAM.
Jacob Haerle, Sept. 17, 1889, Sergt. Co. E, 15th Ger. H. A.
Wilson Defendorf, Jan. 2, 1891, Capt, Co. K, 135th N.Y.V.
C. E. Goodrich, May 31, 1892, Co. A, 5th N. Y. V.
Philip Gernand, Nov. 26, 1892, Co. C, 17th N. Y. V.
J. G. Daily, June 20, 1893, Serg't, Co. K, 6th N. Y. H. Art
R. M. C. Hilliard, March 9, 1893, Co. E, 3d N. H. Vol.
Andrew Dorfner, Feb. 22, 1894, Co. K, 4th N. Y. H. A.
Henry Ennis, May 8, 1894, 6th N. Y. H. A.
Abner Conklin, Jan. 26, 1897, Co. B, 22d N. Y. Vol.
R. C. Walker, July 22, 1897, Co. A, 5th N. Y. H. A.
L. E. Hogan, Nov. 16, 1897, Co. F, 47th N. Y. S. M.
Charles McKie, Nov. 24, 1897, Co. H, 7th N. Y. S. M.
John Tallman, May 13, 1898, Co. A, 26th U. S. Inf.
D. F. Meisner, May 28, 1898, Co. K, 34th N. J. Vol.
A. M. Peck, March 7, 1899, Co. B, 1st U. S. Lancers.
Thomas Stewart Aug. 16, 1899, Co. A, N. Y. C. Inf.
Benjamin Vanderveer, March 19, 1902, Co. C, 91st Penn. V.
J. H. Christie, Aug. 6, 1902, Co. G, 17th N. Y. Vol.
W. E. Sutton, Dec. 28, 1902, Co. A, 4th N. Y. H. A.
Jas. Nicholson, 1904, Co. I, 38th Mass Vol.
L. Van Riper, Oct 7, 1904, Co. B, 137th N. Y. Vol.
W. Kneiss, March 9, 1904, Co. E, 4th U. S. A.
G. F. Morse, May 25, 1905, Co. D, 91st N. Y. Vol.
Abram Blauvelt Oct 23, 1906, Co. G, 22d N. Y. Vol.
A. S. Smith, Feb. 20, 1908, Capt, Co. K, 20th N. Y. S. M.
J. H. Goetschius, March 3, 1908, Co. I, 17th N. Y. S. M.
T. Thompson, April 24th, 1908, Co. A, 26th, U. S. Inf.
C. A. Robinson, July 15, 1908, Co. H, 120th N. Y. Vol.
36
o
•A
o
>
o
PHOTO BY HOFFER, NYACK
-Cfi^^^y^^
^
The Committee most cordially thank Governor
Charles E. Hughes for his commendatory and patri-
otic introductory sketch, also our townsman, Louis
B. Couch, M. D., for his appropriate and highly pa-
triotic poem on page 7.
Thanks are also tendered The Lincoln Educational
League, Francis D. Tandy Company, Lincoln History
Society, The Century Magazine, Mr. W. R. Caldwell,
of McClure's Magazine, and Mr. G. B. Mitchell, of
The Chemical Engraving Co., all of New York City;
and the Rev. Henry Van Dyke, D. D., of Princeton,
N. J., for courtesies extended.
Extra copies of this Souvenir, while they last,
may be obtained at the Journal Office for 25 cents
each or by addressing C. M. Montgomery, Nyack,
N. Y. The number is limited.
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